After months of scouting, evaluating, working out, interviewing and even, re-interviewing prospects, the actual selection process will end the debate and speculation. And for the Buccaneers and the Dolphins in specific, they will anxiously watching what happens in front of them, as they are both scheduled to pick early on the evening.

By virtue of their breakout season a year ago, the Jaguars will sit and wait awhile, unless they make an unlikely trade leap up. Still, there’s plenty of intrigue, as to what Jacksonville might do, too.

So, here’s a quick rundown of the order and what to expect going in:

The Bucs at #7

Tampa Bay has three specific needs: running back, pass rush help and possibly, another strong defensive back. It’s unlikely that Penn State RB Saquon Barkley will be still available at the seventh spot. If he is, the Bucs will race the card up to commissioner Roger Goodell to select him. Otherwise, there’s not another clear cut star running back out of a talented group of 5-6 remaining, who’s worth a top 10 pick. So, those guys can be had later in the first or the early second round.

Will the Bucs attempt to maybe trade up for N.C. State’s DE Bradley Chubb? They have evaluated him heavily, but most analysts and mock drafts having going in the top 5. Is it worth the trade? As we wrote earlier this week, there is a strong case for Tampa Bay to trade down, as well, because several teams behind them may want one of the remaining quarterbacks out of the top class. Tampa Bay traded down two years ago from nine to eleven and still got a guy in DB Vernon Hargreaves, who they wanted. We’ll see if they do something similar tonight.

The Dolphins at #11,

While Miami doesn’t have an obvious need at QB, they certainly have made it apparent for four months that they are interested in taking one. And while it’s now highly unlikely that Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield gets out of the top five, both Josh’s, Rosen of UCLA and Allen of Wyoming, may be there just before the Dolphins are picking. Will Miami trade up for a QB or risk sitting where they are and have one fall to them?

Is Louisville’s Lamar Jackson a strong consideration there?

Will Miami go for another position like linebacker and maybe a Tremaine Edwards of Virginia Tech or Roquan Smith of Georgia? Or, would they entertain trading down to a team that really wants one of the top QB’s that might still be there, while the Fins are on the clock?

Off a disappointing 2017, Miami fans anxiously await.

Finally, the Jaguars at #29

Again, the great success last year of 10 wins, an AFC South Title, and two playoff wins, put the Jags in the rare position, for them, the back of the first round.

The two obvious areas where Jacksonville can improve is linebacker after veteran Paul Posluszny retired, and also potentially, long term QB for themselves.

Yes, while they have committed to Blake Bortles financially for the this year, his deal is very financially friendly to the team. So would be taking a QB in the late first round or even late second round, etc. in this draft. That player could be groomed, as the eventual replacement starter.

Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars rookies take part in “Rookie Premier”

The NFLPA hosted members of the 2018 NFL Draft class in Los Angeles over the course of the last three days, With several Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars represented, there were also state school players there, as well.

First, the 40 rookies attended a seminar, and then all got the opportunity to see their jerseys for the first time together:

Also in attendance was former Hurricanes now Bengals running back Mark Walton putting on his #32. And former Louisville Heisman quarter back Lamar Jackson, who’s also a former high school star in Boynton Beach, decided to show some dance moves in his video shoot:

Both clubs have a mix of veteran and young safeties, but you could make the argument that James would be able to step in and make an immediate huge impact in 2018. And, that’s what Pro Football focus discussed Tuesday:

You can also see more about what PFF’s analysts think about James’ game translating to the next level and the fit with the Chargers in their video here:

In the Fins case, they went with a player from Nick Saban’s defensive back factory at Alabama. Again, he’s had 10 defensive backs drafted in the first or second round of his Bama tenure. So, you cannot say that was a bad pick, unless Fitzpatrick is terrible/lost (unlikely), and James is tremendous from year one.

In the Bucs case, they drafted a young physical safety in Justin Evans in the second round last year and eventually took another safety, Jordan Whitehead of Pitt, on day three of the draft this year.

So, both teams would tell you that they addressed the need both last year and this year.

Now, will James’ play make them both regret that they had the chance to take him?

Will Mark Walton get significant carries for the Bengals?

When the Cincinnati Bengals selected Mark Walton in the fourth round it wasn’t just for the former Miami Hurricane to not compete for playing time. You have to understand before his ankle injury which cut short his 2017 season, Walton was projected to be as high as a second round pick. Obviously the injury hurt his stock, but he still could play a significant role in his rookie season.

MARK WALTON, Miami (5-9 ½, 202, 4.59, Round 4): Third-year junior declared early even though ankle surgery ended his final season after four games. “He should have stayed in school,” one scout said. “He’s not very good. Just kind of a one-speed guy and gets tackled easily. No elusiveness.” Had a big season in 2016 (1,117). Finished with just 395 carries for 1,995 (5.1) and 26 TDs along with 56 receptions for 624.

That said another scout didn’t hold the same view of Walton at all.

“He’s got a PhD of football,” said another scout. “Poor, hungry and determined.” From Miami. “He’s explosive as heck,” a third scout said. “Just little. Big-play ability. Effective out of the backfield. He can cut and slide at full speed and can outrun the angles.”

Not sure what tape the first scout watched on Walton, it must have been right after he had his first ankle injury last season, where for a few carries he was a little slow. He did end up with over 200 yards on the ground that day. He’s an explosive player once healthy and can find seems and make the long ball runs.

The Bengals have quite a bit a depth now with Walton at running back. Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard are already there. Plus there’s Brian Hill and Tra Carson. One thing that makes Walton valuable is his special teams abilities.

He’s capable of receiving kickoffs and punts, plus he’s excellent on coverage of both. The fact that he’s also a reliable receiver in the backfield also gives him a nice advantage as far as earning playing time. Considering his diverse value, Mark Walton will be making some kind of impact his rookie season, provided he remains healthy. Not sure what the heck that one scout was talking about.

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